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We all knew opening one's hotel room door with a smartphone was just the beginning, didn't we? As the years have turned (and LodgeNet has inexplicably remained), a smattering of companies have seen the opportunity to connect savvy hotel guests to the properties they frequent. Y!kes is the latest to tune in, and its solution undoubtedly has the potential to change the way smartphone users interact with lodging venues. Designed as a hardware + software platform, the proximity-aware access system offers hotels the ability to tightly and specifically grant or deny access to one's phone. As an example, a hotel and guest both utilizing the system could see an elevator automatically choose one's floor upon entry, a door automatically unlock when a patron walks within range, a parking deck automatically have its gate raised, and a VIP lounge door automatically open if the credentials are programmed in.

Going a step further, one could envision this system having the ability to alert a hotel when a guest lands at the nearest airport, thereby triggering a series of events that places fresh Perrier bottles on the desk, blue mood lighting in the bathroom, a thermostat adjustment to 74 degrees and whatever else that person has specified in their profile. Insane? Sure, but not at all outside of the realm of feasibility. Once a venue has installed the system, guests need only have the associated app -- available for Android, BlackBerry OS, Windows Phone and iOS -- running in the background on their device. If all goes as planned, he or she won't even have to drop by the check-in counter, and when the stay is over, they'll be able to bypass the check-out line as well.

If you're curious about app availability, we're told that the iOS build will hit the App Store "this week," while the other three platforms will see launches "within 30 days." We asked the company if it was ready to announce any partnerships with hotel chains, and received the following reply: "As for integration, Y!kes is currently engaged in deep discussions with the top hotel chains and will have information pertaining to specific contracts in the near future." Needless to say, the jetsetters in the crowd will be keeping an ear to the ground for more.

You know what they say: "another day, another hypothetical space hotel." Fans of the space tourism (mostly Lance Bass and a handful of gazillionaires) know that these things pop up every few years, so one can be a little skeptical about the plans recently announced by Russia-based Orbital Technologies to put a seven room guest house into orbit, where it would follow the same path as the International Space Station. While CEO Sergei Kostenko does mention things like well-appointed suites and food cooked up by celebrity chefs, it's not entirely clear that the firm has the funding to build the thing or even who will be doing the construction, although Energia (Russia's state-controlled spacecraft manufacturer) has been mooted as the project's general contractor. But this isn't merely a rich man's plaything -- as Kostenko points out, it could be used as a place for astronauts to flee to in case the ISS comes under alien attack (although he didn't say it in exactly those words).

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energiaGalactic SuiteGalacticSuitehotelinternational space stationInternationalSpaceStationisslodgingmotelOrbital TechnologiesOrbitalTechnologiesrussiaspacespace hotelspace tourismSpaceHotelSpaceTourismThu, 30 Sep 2010 15:23:00 -040021|19655780http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/27/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-hotel-television/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/27/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-hotel-television/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/27/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-hotel-television/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
We've covered a number of newer hotel chains that actually recognize the importance of delivering HDTV programming and HD VOD to guests, but for the vast majority of places still living in decades past, there's Gadling's latest how-to guide. If you're sick and tired of checking into hotels with ancient TVs and lackluster programming, there actually are some options. For one, it's always smart to carry a bit of media on a PMP and bring along every connection cable you can imagine. Furthermore, those with Slingboxen and other place-shifting solutions can usually pipe their content from laptop to TV with the right connections. If you're looking to get schooled in the ways of good travel, hit that read link and open wide.

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diyhackhackinghdhotelliquid tvLiquidTvlodgingmotelneroNero Liquid TVNeroLiquidTvtivotravelFri, 27 Mar 2009 21:33:00 -040021|1500190http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/21/internet-based-hdtv-content-to-hit-hotels-big-in-2009/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/21/internet-based-hdtv-content-to-hit-hotels-big-in-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/21/internet-based-hdtv-content-to-hit-hotels-big-in-2009/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Or, at least that's the impression given off by Acentic's Top Five 2009 Trends for Hotel Television Technology. For those paying attention (and traveling often), lodging venues across the nation have been adding in high-def material at a rapid pace, and that's expected to continue into the new year. Additionally, research asserts that internet-derived material, more WiFi access, additional video-on-demand content and connection pods to link up guest sources will all be part of the shift. With the price of hotels these days, we can safely say we hope all of these changes come at a minimal cost -- and who knows, maybe we'll finally learn in 2009 why an Econo Lodge provides free internet access and a boutique hotel in the middle of everything has the nerve to charge extra.

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2009Acenticdatahdhotelinternetlodgingmotelnew contentnewcontentresearchsurveytravelvideo on demandvideo-on-demandVideoOnDemandvodSun, 21 Dec 2008 08:12:00 -050021|1405722http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/17/chicagos-conrad-hotel-getting-hdtv-services-courtesy-of-rcn/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/17/chicagos-conrad-hotel-getting-hdtv-services-courtesy-of-rcn/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/17/chicagos-conrad-hotel-getting-hdtv-services-courtesy-of-rcn/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
RCN's locking down lodging deals like it's going out of style, and just days after cementing one with Highgate Hotels in New York, here we have another with Chicago's Conrad Hotel. Soon, said luxury venue will be able to provide guests with all-digital cable TV and HDTV services. Each of the 311 guest rooms will present said content on a 42-inch plasma, though there's no exact word on when the agreement will be implemented. And yeah, considering the per-night rates here, you'd better stay locked inside around 90% of the time in order to come close to making it worthwhile.

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chicagoConrad HotelConradHoteldigital cabledigital tvDigitalCableDigitalTvhdhotelillinoislodgingmoteltravelWed, 17 Dec 2008 04:40:00 -050021|1402828http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/15/rcn-extends-relationship-with-highgate-hotels-will-provide-hdtv/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/15/rcn-extends-relationship-with-highgate-hotels-will-provide-hdtv/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/15/rcn-extends-relationship-with-highgate-hotels-will-provide-hdtv/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#commentsRCN has stuck its nose (and HDTV services, for that matter) in all sorts of lodging chains before, and you can mark it down for another thanks to a revamped agreement with Highgate Hotels. The multi-year contract enables RCN to provide the company's New York portfolio of hotels with its own digital TV / HDTV services sans a set-top-box; additionally, the carrier will be delivering third-party VOD content. At first, the operator will upgrade existing service to the DoubleTree Metropolitan, Radisson Lexington and Park Central Hotels, and it expects to have all five phase-one Highgate properties operational by February 2009.

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cablehdhotelighgate HotelsIghgateHotelslodgingmotelnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynyRCNtravelMon, 15 Dec 2008 23:00:00 -050021|1397638http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/30/hyatt-regency-woodfield-home-to-sharp-hdtvs-suitelinq-hd-progra/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
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Headed to Schaumburg, Illinois to visit those in-laws, are you? You're in luck. Hyatt Regency Woodfield has just announced that every last one of its 470 guest rooms will be locked and loaded (but unlocked prior to your arrival) with a 32- or 37-inch Sharp LCD HDTV, not to mention a copious amount of HD content flowing from the SuiteLinq in-room digital entertainment solution. Both linear channels and video-on-demand material will be delivered in SD and HD, and it appears that everything's in place for enjoyment as we speak. So, are your reservations in order?

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hdhotelhyatthyatt regencyHyattRegencylodgingmotelregencysharpSuiteLinqtravelSun, 30 Nov 2008 07:34:00 -050021|1383885http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/24/lodgenet-and-lg-collaborate-on-in-room-interactive-epg/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
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We already knew that LG and LodgeNet were pretty well in bed (in a hotel bed, at that) together, but now the relationship is rounding second and heading briskly for third. The two have just announced plans to develop an Interactive Electronic Program Guide (IEPG) as "the first in what is expected to be a series of in-room interactive applications based on the new Pro:Centric standards-based platform." The plan will also work to eliminate pricey set-top-boxes from the equation, and if all goes well, it will be compatible with "a range of existing LodgeNet free-to-guest (FTG) TV and video-on-demand solutions." Also of note, Pro:Centric could eventually provide guests with all sorts of interactivity that is traditionally reserved for more luxurious venues, but we still have serious doubts that they'll ever install HDTVs with accessible HDMI ports for connecting our own paraphernalia.

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free-to-guesthdhotelInteractiveLGLG700HLodgeNetlodgingmotelon demandOnDemandothersprocentrictravelvideo on demandvideo-on-demandVideoOnDemandVODMon, 24 Nov 2008 09:51:00 -050021|1379339http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/21/westtel-bringing-fttp-to-grand-cayman/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/21/westtel-bringing-fttp-to-grand-cayman/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/21/westtel-bringing-fttp-to-grand-cayman/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
While we here at Engadget HQ ponder a week-long excursion to the splendorous island of Grand Cayman, we can't help but be swayed even closer to pulling the trigger after reading this news. WestTel, along with suits from WestStar TV and ABC Trenching, has just broke ground on a $15 million, seven-year initiative to bring fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) to the only Cayman island with an international airport. The first phase will focus simply on establishing a fiber infrastructure amongst corporations, initially from Television Centre to Camana Bay, then up West Bay Road to Governors Square. Phase two will see the deployment of HDTV and high-speed internet / voice services to residences along West Bay Road, while followup phases will string it to the rest of the island. We just made your vacation plans a whole lot easier, didn't we?

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caymancayman islandsCaymanIslandsfiberFTTPgrand caymanGrandCaymanhdhdtvhotellodgingmoteltravelWestTelFri, 21 Nov 2008 19:06:00 -050021|1377211http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/17/lodgenet-acts-to-keep-ota-signals-alive-in-analog-hotels/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/17/lodgenet-acts-to-keep-ota-signals-alive-in-analog-hotels/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/17/lodgenet-acts-to-keep-ota-signals-alive-in-analog-hotels/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#commentsLodgeNet is looking out for hoteliers and hotel guests who actually want to watch a little TV while traveling after February 17, 2009 by rolling out a digital transition roadmap to bring venues up to speed. Granted, most hotels don't rely on analog OTA signals to begin with, but for those that still do, it's hoping to "propose a customized solution for each property." In other words, it'll see if analog OTA is still in use, and then offer a marked-up installation of DirecTV and / or a gaggle of DTV converter boxes -- brilliant!

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2009cutoverdtv transitionDtvTransitionhdhotelLodgeNetlodgingmotelotaswitchovertravelMon, 17 Nov 2008 06:06:00 -050021|1370335http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/12/tivo-invades-the-hotel-room-comes-to-mondrian-in-south-beach/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/12/tivo-invades-the-hotel-room-comes-to-mondrian-in-south-beach/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/12/tivo-invades-the-hotel-room-comes-to-mondrian-in-south-beach/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
It's about time, no? TiVo has finally cut a deal to get its heralded time-shifting box into hotel rooms, and while the first agreement is relatively small in scope, we can see huge potential for this initiative. The outfit has signed on with Morgans Hotel Group -- which owns the Delano in South Beach, Royalton and Hudson in New York City, and Sanderson in London -- in order to bring TiVo functionality to every guest room in the soon-to-open (December 1st) Mondrian in South Beach (Miami, FL). There are no specifics given as to which model will be installed, but it definitely doesn't mention TiVo HD nor the word "high-definition." Still, we'd take an SD TiVo as part of the stay, but we won't stop wishing there was a way to transfer all of our currently unwatched programs at home to the box in the hotel room. Full release is after the break.

Update: We've received word that the units will be TiVo HD boxes connected to HDTVs. Stellar!

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floridahdhotellodgingmiamiMondrianMORGANS HOTEL GROUPMorgansHotelGroupmoteltivotravelWed, 12 Nov 2008 06:23:00 -050021|1369526http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/22/rcn-pipes-hd-programming-into-bostons-mandarin-oriental-luxury/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
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This isn't the first hotel deal RCN has managed to land, and we have every reason to believe it's far from the last. The cable carrier's lastest grab is the Mandarin Oriental luxury hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, where it will deliver HDTV programming, all-digital cable and a dedicated data network connection to serve as the hotel's failsafe for internet connectivity. The multi-year deal will bring the services to 136 guestrooms, 12 luxury suites and the condominiums, apartments and retail stores located within the hotel. Now, if only we could afford a room to check it all out, we'd be set.

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bostoncablehdhotellodgingMandarin OrientalMandarinOrientalmassachusettsmotelRCNtravelWed, 22 Oct 2008 10:39:00 -040021|1347966http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/20/malibu-beach-inn-lets-you-request-room-service-via-iphone-ipod/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/20/malibu-beach-inn-lets-you-request-room-service-via-iphone-ipod/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/20/malibu-beach-inn-lets-you-request-room-service-via-iphone-ipod/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Take one look at the room rates at the Malibu Beach Inn, and you'll fully understand why you'll be treated to a loaner iPod touch for the duration of your stay. For those who already own an iPhone / iPod touch, they'll be given access to a web application that was built for the Safari browser to give guests all sorts of remote capabilities. For instance, ordering up room service, setting a wake up call, requesting luggage, renting a limo and flipping the door placard to "Do Not Disturb" no longer requires any strenuous work; instead, users can simply hit a few buttons and be on their way. The hotel chose a web app in order to avoid the Apple certification process and to make it available on other hot devices in the near future. But then again, if you can swing this place, you've probably got a butler handling the front-desk inquiries, anyway.

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applecaliforniahoteliphoneiphone 3giphone hoteliphone osIphone3gIphoneHoteliphoneosipod touchIpodTouchlodgingmalibumalibu beach innMalibuBeachInnmobilemotelMon, 20 Oct 2008 18:09:00 -040021|1347769http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/20/malibu-beach-inn-lets-you-request-room-service-via-iphone-ipod/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/20/malibu-beach-inn-lets-you-request-room-service-via-iphone-ipod/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/20/malibu-beach-inn-lets-you-request-room-service-via-iphone-ipod/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Take one look at the room rates at the Malibu Beach Inn, and you'll fully understand why you'll be treated to a loaner iPod touch for the duration of your stay. For those who already own an iPhone / iPod touch, they'll be given access to a web application that was built for the Safari browser to give guests all sorts of remote capabilities. For instance, ordering up room service, setting a wake up call, requesting luggage, renting a limo and flipping the door placard to "Do Not Disturb" no longer requires any strenuous work; instead, users can simply hit a few buttons and be on their way. The hotel chose a web app in order to avoid the Apple certification process and to make it available on other hot devices in the near future. But then again, if you can swing this place, you've probably got a butler handling the front-desk inquiries, anyway.

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applecaliforniahoteliphoneiphone 3giphone hotelIphone3gIphoneHotelipod touchIpodTouchlodgingmalibumalibu beach innMalibuBeachInnmotelMon, 20 Oct 2008 18:09:00 -040021|1347735http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/15/hotels-feverishly-upgrading-rooms-with-hdtvs-casually-forgettin/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/15/hotels-feverishly-upgrading-rooms-with-hdtvs-casually-forgettin/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/15/hotels-feverishly-upgrading-rooms-with-hdtvs-casually-forgettin/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Surely you've noticed this by now if you happen to end up in hotels often -- there's an HDTV there on your wall, thought nary a single HD channel appears when you flip it on. It's an unfortunate trend that's sweeping the lodging industry, as more and more chains cave to the pressures of having sexy, thin TVs all while disregarding the need for HD programming. Of course, most are playing the cost card as the reason why they have yet to offer up any HD channels on those wasted HDTVs, although not all hope is lost. At Hilton, you can expect each and every room to have a flat-panel TV and HDTV service by June of 2009, and LodgeNet, which began offering high-definition service in 2005, expects to keep up the good work in the future (though no definitive numbers were given). Please, travel venues -- don't force us to watch stretch-o-vision while away from home.

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hdhotelLodgeNetlodgingmotelprogrammingstretchstretch-o-visiontravelMon, 15 Sep 2008 23:15:00 -040021|1314179http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/02/rnc-signs-on-to-provide-chicagos-thewit-hotel-with-hdtv/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/02/rnc-signs-on-to-provide-chicagos-thewit-hotel-with-hdtv/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/02/rnc-signs-on-to-provide-chicagos-thewit-hotel-with-hdtv/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
With the battle in full force between AT&T and local cable carriers RCN / Comcast, we're seeing more than just price wars breaking out. RCN has decided to flex its muscle in a different way by inking a deal to provide Chicago's TheWit Hotel with HDTV programming. Currently, the venue is still under construction, but by the time the doors swing open for guests in May of 2009, the carrier should have high-def material piped to all 298 rooms. Mmm, the sweet, sweet scent of competition in the air.

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cablechicagohdhotelillinoislodgingmotelRCNTheWittravelSat, 02 Aug 2008 23:30:00 -040021|1270731http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/27/first-us-based-aloft-hotel-opens-in-rancho-cucamonga-california/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
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Some might say that Rancho Cucamonga, California is a strange place for a ribbon cutting ceremony, but we figure that there's hardly a better place in America to have HDTV within an air conditioned room. Sure, it's not exactly in Death Valley or anything, but the aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga is close enough to Zzyzx to warrant an excuse for staying indoors during the summer. The 136-room venue just opened its doors to guests last week, becoming the very first aloft hotel to actually open for business in the United States. Each guest room has its own HDTV and connectivity panel, and the hotel-wide WiFi should keep you satisfactorily connected during your stay. Anyone plan on stopping by?

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aloftcaliforniahdhotellodgingmotelRANCHO CUCAMONGORanchoCucamongotravelSun, 27 Jul 2008 12:44:00 -040021|1264941http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/wynn-las-vegas-nets-hd-vod-and-wifi/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/wynn-las-vegas-nets-hd-vod-and-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/wynn-las-vegas-nets-hd-vod-and-wifi/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
We've already seen Cox bring HDTV to The Donald's Las Vegas Hotel & Tower, but now cross town street rival Wynn is about to get its own dash of HD upgrades. Cox Business/Hospitality Network will be providing wired and wireless internet to Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, and furthermore, it'll be stringing free-to-guest programming in both SD and HD flavors to both the Encore and Wynn proper. Patrons will notice revised navigation menus rendered in high-definition, and the HD VOD platform will enable them to get instantly gratified when returning from a long night at the tables. Specific stations aren't listed, but CB/HN promises that guests will be treated to "a wide variety of HD and digital channels and on demand Hollywood blockbusters in HD." Your move, Luxor.

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encorehdhd vodHdVodhotellodgingmotelnew contentnewcontentvideo on demandvideo-on-demandVideoOnDemandvodWynnWynn Las VegasWynnLasVegasFri, 20 Jun 2008 18:16:00 -040021|1228108http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/18/lg-control4-team-up-on-hdtv-automation-system-for-hotels/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/18/lg-control4-team-up-on-hdtv-automation-system-for-hotels/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/18/lg-control4-team-up-on-hdtv-automation-system-for-hotels/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
The news is flowing hot and heavy from the hospitality sector today, as just moments after LG announced a slew of new LodgeNet-enabled flat-panels, along comes word that the aforementioned outfit and Control4 are teaming up to develop a swank new automation system for the lodging industry. More specifically, the two will co-develop an "integrated automation system for HDTV sets that will allow hotel guests to control lighting, room temperature, draperies and entertainment systems through the television with a single remote control." Better still, the eventual solution will be integrated into LG's hotel TVs, eliminating the need for yet another set-top-box in the room. Regrettably, there's nary a mention of when this (amazing sounding) system will be available (nor where it will be available), but we can definitely see this swaying the avid traveler when it comes time to book the next business trip.

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automationControl4hdhdtv automationHdtvAutomationhome automationHomeAutomationhotelhotel automationHotelAutomationLGlodgingmoteltravelWed, 18 Jun 2008 08:29:00 -040021|1227975http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/17/lg-expands-lodgenet-alliance-introduces-new-hdtvs-for-hotels/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/17/lg-expands-lodgenet-alliance-introduces-new-hdtvs-for-hotels/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/17/lg-expands-lodgenet-alliance-introduces-new-hdtvs-for-hotels/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
LG's flat-panels end up in a-many of hotels, and it looks as if the outfit is hoping to end up in a whole lot more here soon. Today, the company has "expanded its long-time alliance with LodgeNet by agreeing to integrate LodgeNet and On Command interactive terminals with new hotel TVs." Essentially, the firm will be cranking out 11 new LG HD Built-in TVs, all of which include essential LodgeNet technology that enables hoteliers to map channels and the like from headend equipment. Five 32-, two 37-, and two 42-inch LCDs were introduced alongside a pair of 42-inch plasmas. We aren't told what venues will be snapping these up, but it's pretty safe to assume that any LodgeNet-equipped hotel will be giving 'em a glance.

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32LG3DC-LN132LX50C-LN132LX50CS-LN142LB5DC-LN142PG60C-LN142PG65C-LN1h.264hdHD Built-inHdBuilt-inhotelinteractivelcdLGLodgeNetlodgingmotelOn CommandOnCommandplasmatravelTue, 17 Jun 2008 17:39:00 -040021|1227945http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/17/washington-d-c-s-marriott-wardman-park-gets-32-inch-lg-plasmas/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
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If you were impressed with the $6.2 million renovation at the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center, you'll be blown away by the upgrades found on Washington, D.C.'s largest hotel. The Marriott Wardman Park has just underwent a whopping $100 million refreshing (a "comprehensive revitalization," as it were), which added in a 32-inch LG plasma to each and every guest room. Additionally, each PDP will be equipped with Marriott's proprietary plug-in panel, and while 64 channels of programming will be available, we aren't told how many of those will be in high-definition. Looks like the competition in the D.C. hotel market is getting even fiercer.

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hdhotellglodgingMarriottmotelplasmatravelwardman parkWardmanParkwashington d.c.washington dcWashingtonD.c.WashingtonDcTue, 17 Jun 2008 04:28:00 -040021|1227137http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/08/caribe-royale-orlando-and-buena-vista-hotel-renovate-add-hdtvs/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
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Thinking of heading to Central Florida? If so, you should probably keep both the Caribe Royale Orlando All-Suites Hotel and the Buena Vista Suites Hotel in mind when traveling on down (or up, we guess). The pair has just announced a $25 million upgrade that will begin on both properties in August, and you can bet the two are getting more than a good spraying of air freshener. Visitors who check in May 2009 / late 2008, respectively, will see all new carpet, drapes, furniture, and best of all, a 42-inch flat-screen HDTV in the living room. Oh, and there's the 37-inch HDTV in the bedroom -- that's pretty appealing, too. Pack your bags!

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Buena Vista HotelBuenaVistaHotelCaribe RoyaleCaribe Royale OrlandoCaribeRoyaleCaribeRoyaleOrlandofloridahdhotellodgingmotelorlandoSun, 08 Jun 2008 07:55:00 -040021|1217201http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/13/p-hotel-and-spa-picks-suitelinq-for-in-room-interactive-services/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/13/p-hotel-and-spa-picks-suitelinq-for-in-room-interactive-services/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/13/p-hotel-and-spa-picks-suitelinq-for-in-room-interactive-services/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Headed up to Happy Valley to catch one of the greatest spectacles in all of college sports later this decade? If so, The P Hotel and Spa has a room with your name on it. The recently planned luxury condominium hotel (slated to open in early 2009), which is located in State College, Pennsylvania, is aimed squarely at "upscale alumni and football fans that frequent the Penn State University Campus," and the in-room amenities are looking quite nice. Each of the 100 suites will boast a large-screen HDTV as well as interactive content and broadband internet via SuiteLinq. Guests can expect "a variety of on-demand entertainment," and while a specific layout of high-def options weren't detailed, we know those Nittany Lions fans won't accept post-game highlights in anything other than HD.

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hdhotellodgingmotelP Hotel and SpaPHotelAndSpaState CollegeStateCollegeSuiteLinqTue, 13 May 2008 13:31:00 -040021|1193117http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/11/lodgenet-bringing-hdtv-broadband-to-loews-hotels/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/11/lodgenet-bringing-hdtv-broadband-to-loews-hotels/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/11/lodgenet-bringing-hdtv-broadband-to-loews-hotels/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Look out, avid travelers -- LodgeNet is at it again. After announcing that it would bring HD to 17,000 hotel rooms in early 2007, the company is now talking up an agreement with Loews Hotels. The deal will bring a comprehensive HDTV and broadband internet solution to US and Canadian Loews properties, meaning that 8,000 rooms across all 18 Loews hotels will be upgraded. Guests who find themselves in one of these venues for the night will soon be enjoying HD movies and TV, video-on-demand and the DirecTV Sports package to boot. Unfortunately, there's no word as to when the new services will be implemented, but the sooner the better, we say.

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broadbandhdhotellodgenetlodgingloewsloews hotelsLoewsHotelsmoteltravelSun, 11 May 2008 19:11:00 -040021|1190328http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/mgm-grand-at-foxwoods-to-utilize-tv-to-internet-advertising-plat/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/mgm-grand-at-foxwoods-to-utilize-tv-to-internet-advertising-plat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/mgm-grand-at-foxwoods-to-utilize-tv-to-internet-advertising-plat/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
As the media giants look for more creative ways to snag our attention even for just a brief moment, Horizon Media is partnering with Backchannelmedia to introduce an all new method at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods, which opens on May 17th. Hailed as the "first ever" of its kind, the TV-to-Internet click-through advertising platform will enable viewers to point and click at icons / links / etc. on their TV screen with their remote. Upon doing so, their broadband connected PC will be directed to a related website where the viewer can learn more about a product or actually make a purchase. We're also told that WCVB-DT (ABC) Channel 5 in Boston will be the first broadcast TV station to sign on and utilize the technology, but there's no mention of other stations following suit. We'll admit, the idea is pretty ingenious, but whether or not it'll actually work as advertised (ahem) remains to be seen.